MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Currently, dogs are allowed in all Meridian Township parks.

However, sources say there is a growing problem of dog owners allowing their dogs to be off leashes.

The Meridian Township Ordinance
Section 54-37 states : " Dogs and other pets. (a) Permitted. Dogs and other pets may be brought upon park property, unless posted otherwise. (b) Control. Any dog on park property shall be upon a leash of six feet or less, unless posted otherwise, and shall be under the immediate control of a competent person at all times. (c) Removal of feces. Any person having custody of a dog on park property shall immediately remove all feces deposited by such dog on any public footpath, athletic field or other area frequented by the public, and shall dispose of same in a sanitary manner. (d) Public buildings. No dog or pet shall be allowed to enter any public building. (e) Application to guide, service, or leader dogs. This section does not prohibit the use of guide dogs, service dogs, or leader dogs as provided and defined in section 502c of the Michigan Penal Code (MCL 750.502c). (Code 1974, § 34-10)

According to Meridian Township Parks & Recreation Director, LuAnn Maisner,
"50 % of Meridian Township residents own a dog so its a wonderful thing. The biggest challenge for the Parks & Recreation Department now is some owners are allowing their dogs to run loose in the parks . This is causing an issue for the safety of other families in the park and an increase in dog attacks on people and other dogs. "

"Dog owners have a responsibility to keep their dog on a leash, to clean up an feces left behind, and to control their dogs at all times," Maisner added.

And just this year, from January 2015 - October 2015, the following incidents have been identified by the Meridian Township Police Department Records Division :


⁃15 Dog Violations - Dogs fighting/injury due to fighting, or
aggressive dogs (or and individual bitten by dog)


⁃5 Animals at Large - Dogs that are reported to be on the
loose


Meridian residents should be aware there is a $75 fine if you are caught having your dog off leash and this policy will be strictly enforced.

If you don't pick up after your dog, that is also a $75 fine.

And one can easily get fined $150 if they violate both laws.

If you observe any violations of Meridian Township Park Rules, contact the Meridian Township Police at 517-332-6526.

For a full copy of the Meridian Township Park Ordinance, contact the Meridian Township Parks & Recreation Office at 517-853-4600.